Hopes for finally obtaining a federal appropriation to get the -Nebo Scenic Doop road development moving have been dealt a crushing blow. Rep. Gunn McKay of Utah, member of the appropriations subcommittee in the House, had succeeded in adding a $3 million allocation for the Nebo Loop to Interior Department budget re quests which were eventually adopted and approved by the full House. But word comes now from Washington that the Seante interior appropriations Qhcommittee has knocked out the $3 million, along with funding of some other projects in the mountain states. As this was written, the full Senate appropriations was expected to vote with the subcommittee. The full Senate, according to Rep. McKay, possibly will take action before the week is over. It would be quite unusual if the Senate reversed the committee although an amendment restoring the Nebo funds is possible under standard procedures. Rep, McKay, second-ranking member of the House interior appropriations subcommittee, says he hopes to meet with Senate conferees in mid-August to reconcile, A differences. While he said no prediction could be made, he has been successful on “many projects” during House-Seante conference in getting money’ restored. “I will feel very good if 1 can get any of them back,” he said, referring to several groject allocations knocked out y the Senate subcommittee. The Nebo Loop Road, connecting Payson and Salt Creek Ca.nyons and coursing around the shoulder of towering Mt. Nebo, is only partially paved and needs to be substantially improved. It is strictly for dry weather travel now, with more than 25 miles unsurfaced. For something like 7.5 years, the forest service, civic groups, and city and county officials have sought federal funds for the loop road. On some occasions it appeared help was forthcoming, only to have the funds snatched away for other forest recreation roads. Currently, the Nebo Loop has top priority of the forest service among projects of the entire state. A county beautification committee has been working to bring the road to the attention of the proper officials. When the House approved the money it ap peared that at last Nebo Loop money was on the way. Should the Senate fail to restore the Nebo Loop money, backers should not throw in the towel, by any menas. All members of Utah’s congressional delegation, the governor. local officials, and the people in general should exert what influence they can to acquaint House and Senate conferees with the needs for this highway and the long time’ Utahns have waited for it. With growing population and increasing tourist travel, this project is a ”must” and it should not be further delayed.